Using an AED
Power on the AED
An AED can be used on an adult, child, or infant. Follow the AED prompts. Place the AED near the victim’s head and power
on the unit. Some models require you to push a button to turn it on, while others turn on automatically when you lift the lid.

Place the AED near the victim’s head

Power on the AED

Apply AED Pads
Expose the chest and wipe it dry of any moisture. Apply the pads to the chest according to the pictures on the back of the
pads.
• Place one pad on the right side of the chest, just below the collarbone.
• Place the other pad on the lower left side of the chest.
• Connect the pads to the AED. (Some pads come pre-connected to the AED.)

Apply AED pads

AED pad placement

If there are two trained rescuers, one performs CPR while the other prepares the AED for use. The rescuer in charge of the
AED will apply the pads around the hands of the person giving chest compressions. Do not stop CPR while the AED is being
readied for use. The AED will prompt you to stop CPR when it is ready to analyze the heart rhythm.

Clear the Victim & Shock
It is critical that no one touches the victim or his clothing
while the AED analyzes or delivers a shock.
When prompted by the AED to deliver a shock:
• The AED user quickly looks up and down the entire
victim to ensure no one is touching him and loudly
states, “Everybody clear.”
• The rescuer can now push the shock button.
Clear the victim



Tip

Some AEDs will automatically deliver a shock without the rescuer pushing a button.

80%

The percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests
that occur in private or residential settings.

Using an AED
Resume Compressions
After the AED delivers a shock, or if no shock is advised, immediately resume CPR beginning with chest compressions.
Every 2 minutes the AED will prompt you to stop CPR so it can analyze the heart rhythm.
CPR is hard work. The quality of compressions will deteriorate quickly, even without the rescuer being aware of it. If a second trained rescuer is present, switch roles when the AED says to stop CPR, which is every 2 minutes.

AED shock

Resume compressions

AED Use on Children
For the purpose of AED use, a child is age 1-8, or weighs
less than 55 lbs. An infant is less than 1 year old. Children
and infants require a lower level of energy to defibrillate the
heart.
Child victim: Use an AED with pediatric pads or equipment. If these are not available, use an AED with adult pads
and settings.

Child AED equipment

Infant victim: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to use a manual defibrillator. If one is
not available, use an AED with pediatric pads or equipment.
If these are not available, use an AED with adult pads and
settings.

Do not let AED pads touch or overlap. A child with a smaller chest may need an alternate pad placement.

Small child pad placement - front

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Tip

Always follow your State, local, and workplace protocols for AED use on a child or infant.

!

Small child pad placement - back
Never use pediatric pads or equipment on an adult ( > 8
years old). The energy delivered will not be enough.

2

Special Considerations - AED
Very Hairy Chest
Chest hair can limit the contact between the AED pads and the skin, preventing the AED from reading the heart rhythm and
delivering a shock. If you have an extra set of pads, firmly apply the pads to the chest, then remove the pads with a quick
movement and apply a new set of pads. You may also use a razor to shave the chest in the area of pad placement.

Implanted Devices
Some people have medical devices, such as a pacemaker,
implanted into their bodies. These will appear as small, hard
lumps under the skin of the chest or abdomen.
Do not place an electrode directly over an implanted device.
Adjust pad placement at least 1” away from the device.
Implanted device

Medication Patches

Medication can be embedded in an adhesive patch that is
applied to the skin. Do not place an AED pad over a medication patch. With gloved hands, remove the patch and wipe
the chest clean with a towel, then attach the AED pads.

Remove medication patch and wipe skin

Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Storage: An AED should be stored ready to use, close to
trained rescuers. Accessories such as extra pads, pediatric pads or adaptor, an extra battery, CPR mask, a towel,
gloves and razor should be stored with the AED.
Inspection: Perform regular inspections according to manufacturer’s guidelines and local protocols. Make sure that
pads and batteries have not expired, and there is no visible
damage to the unit.
Troubleshooting: If the AED detects a problem, it will
prompt you to troubleshoot:
• Check pads: Press down firmly on the pads, or replace the pads; check the cable connection.
• Low battery: Replace the battery.
• Movement: When the AED is analyzing the heart
rhythm, do not touch or move the victim.
AED maintenance

Tip


Most manufacturers recommend storing spare pads
with the AED.


Tip

Keep the AED in an accessible area, close to a
phone. Store it at room temperature, protected from
the weather.

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AED Safety

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Water
Rain, snow, or small amounts of water will not interfere with
safe AED use.
Move a victim who is lying in a puddle or pool of water to a
drier area prior to using an AED. Defibrillating a person who
is lying in water could cause burning or shocking to rescuers or bystanders. Ensure that the rescuer or bystanders
are not standing in water during AED use.
Water or sweat on a person’s chest can interfere with defibrillation. Quickly dry the person’s chest before attaching
the pads. This will allow the pads to attach securely, and
ensure that the electrical shock travels through the heart
and not over the wet surface of the skin.

AED use and water

Oxygen

Using an AED when oxygen is close by can be dangerous.
Turn off the oxygen or move it several feet away from the
victim prior to providing a shock.

AED use and oxygen

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
Tip

It is safe to use an AED on a metal surface such as
bleachers as long as the AED pads are not touching
the metal surface.



Do not place AED pads directly over jewelry or body
piercings. Adjust AED pad placement as necessary.